Mar 09, Kathmandu - In Syangja, several long-escaped criminals were apprehended while attempting to cast their votes during the local elections.

Despite hiding for years, these offenders were caught at their respective voting centers, according to the Syangja District Police Office.

One of the detainees is 40-year-old Prem Bahadur Drajhi from Arjun Chaupari-5, who was caught on February 21 near a pond close to his home while going to vote. Drajhi is wanted in a murder case and has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Similarly, 58-year-old Buddhi Man Shahi from Putali Bazar-5 was arrested while voting in Suroudi Ward. He was serving a three-day sentence and fined NPR 263,000 for two banking-related offenses.

Another suspect, 74-year-old Ram Bahadur Khami from Andhikola-4, was detained while voting in Serpa Siran Chaur Ward. He is convicted of polygamy and sentenced to two years, five months, and 13 days in prison, along with a fine of NPR 25,000.

All three individuals have been sent to the Syangja District Court for legal proceedings, confirmed Deputy Superintendent of Police Prasanna Raj Chaudhary, the district police spokesperson.